THE FISH OF DORSET. 39 



mostly of fresh fish. In fishing for conger the bait should be 

 perfectly fresh, and the best are pieces of squid, mackerel, bream, 

 or half a freshly caught pout. On first being hooked it pulls 

 hard, but after a time begins to spin round and round, then is the 

 time to haul it into the boat, when a sharp blow with a small 

 club called " the priest," or conger bat, should be given across 

 the vent, just as it comes over the gunwale. This will disable 

 it and prevent it from mixing up everything in the bottom 

 of the boat. The snood for some six inches or so from the 

 hook should be served round with fine copper wire or made of 

 several strands of soft plaited green hemp such- as is used by 

 saddlers for sewing. Couch IV., p. 340, PI. CCXXXVI1I. 

 Day II., p. 250, PI. CLIL, fig. 2. 



SIPHONASTOMA TYPHLE. 



BROAD-NOSED PIPE FISH. 



This curious fish is common at Weymouth, where it is found in 

 the Zostera beds (T. Gosse). I have also taken it there myself. 

 Also at Studland and Swanage (Rev. Lester Lester). In common 

 with the rest of the pipe-fishes the eggs are transferred from the 

 female to the male, who carries them in a sort of fold of the 

 skin of the abdomen till they hatch. The tail in this species is 

 not prehensile. Couch IV., p. 355, PI. CCXXXIX., fig. 2. 

 Day II., p. 257, PI. CXLIV., fig. 3. 



SYNGNATHUS ACUS. 



THE GREAT PIPE FISH. 



Taken at Studland (Rev. Lester Lester). Couch IV., p. 351, 

 PI. CCXXXIX., fig. 1. Day II., p. 259, PI. CXLV., fig. 1 and 2. 



NEROPHIS ^EQUOREUS. 

 OCEAN OR SNAKE PIPE FISH. 



Swanage, October 1856 (Rev. Lester Lester). Weymouth 

 (Gosse). Tail prehensile. Couch IV., pp. 35G, 359, Pis. CCXL. 

 and CCXLI. Day II., p, 261, PI. CXLIV., fig. 4. 



